RIVER KATS: KID ACTIVISM THROUGH SCIENCE

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1 RIVER KATS: KID ACTIVISM THROUGH SCIENCE Developed in 2006, the fundamental goal of River KATS is to introduce students to watershed concepts through in-class activities and hands-on field trips, provided at zero cost. We offer a unique service by providing opportunities that bring textbook pages to life at a time when budget cuts have eliminated these important learning experiences. We believe that getting kids "to the field" enriches the curriculum for K-12 environmental science, general science, life science, biology, and chemistry classes. Waterkeeper will work with each individual teacher to select the location of the trip, provide buses, coordinate with the facility for appropriate tour/presentation, and provide any necessary field equipment. We are flexible and desire to build this experience around the instructors' needs. The list below includes potential fieldtrip sites with a brief description of what the site has to offer. Also, if the site has scheduling specifics, they will be included. *NOTE: These descriptions are based on activities that are a possibility at each site. No activity is guaranteed. Availability of activities is based on seasonality and is subject to change. Santa Ana River The Santa Ana River is convenient because it has many access points. Water testing in various locations along the river helps students apply the concept and recognize the importance of being familiar with their watershed and water quality in the real world. Students get the opportunity to hike the riparian forest trails, learn about native, invasive, and endangered species of plants and animals in their community, and learn about the history of the river, starting with the Cahuilla Tribe in the 1700s. Students also learn the effects of the encroaching urban environment and how it has impacted the ecosystem in the Santa Ana River.

2 IEUA/Chino Creek Wetlands & Education Park 60 students max The Water Discovery educational program was developed to promote the public understanding of the value of natural treatment wetlands, the creation of habitat for endangered/sensitive species and environmental stewardship. This trip is led by IEUA staff and provides tours of the interpretative native habitat, wetlands and the wildlife education center. IEUA/Wastewater Treatment Plant Grades students max This site is also located in the Inland Empire Utilities Agency. The IEUA staff provides a tour of the Water Treatment Plant. This trip can sometimes be combined with the Chino Creek Wetlands & Education Park tour.

3 Tin Mine Canyon Grades 6-12 Tin Mine Canyon is a moderate nature hike in Corona. Students learn the history of the site, geological phenomena including faults, and conduct water quality testing of a creek at the end of the hike. Hidden Valley Nature Center Grades K-6 60 students max Hidden Valley Wildlife Area is located along the Santa Ana River, east of Norco on Arlington Avenue, one mile west of La Sierra Avenue. Programs offered include presentations about the wetlands, Native Americans, water and/or birds. Each program may include a hike, hands-on activities, a craft, a game and a live animal presentation. There are also various locations for the students to conduct water quality tests.

4 San Jacinto Wildlife Area Grades 6-12 This area provides great opportunities for water sampling and planting. CA Fish and Game leads one group to do planting around the wetlands while another group does water sampling. This area also includes a nature walk where staff identifies various species. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve This site provides an array of Educational Programs to fit the age and demographic of the specific schools. They have programs geared toward students from Title 1 schools, and a Grassland Restoration Project for middle school students. El Sobrante Landfill & Wildlife Preserve Waste Management staff at the El Sobrante landfill provides a tour of the facility and there are options to do water testing here.

5 Mary Vagle Museum and Nature Center Grades K-6 Located in south Fontana at the foot of the Jurupa Hills, the Mary Vagle Nature Center is a natural refuge in the midst of an urban landscape. Here you can enjoy a walk along the nature trail winding around their pond, spot what is currently blooming in their native gardens, or venture inside and discover exhibits of local plants, animals, geology, and history. Students can make biological assessments and tailor the trip to the needs of each class. This site requires an entrance fee per student. Mount San Jacinto Grades 6-12 A nature hike up Mount San Jacinto could involve water testing and if it is booked early enough, rangers could lead the hike providing more information about the habitat and how they maintain it. Lake Perris This lake is a popular recreational site making it vulnerable to water quality issues. A trip here would involve a nature hike, water testing and assessment.

6 Lytle Creek Lytle Creek offers students, especially those residing in the Fontana area, with an amazing outdoor experience just minutes away from their community. This field trip begins with ½ mile hike at the San Bernardino National Forest s Nature Trail. Lower grades can choose from three activities while upper classmen can test the quality of the headwaters of Lytle Creek, a tributary of the Santa Ana River. Corona DWP DWP provides a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant led by the plant operators. The tour allows students to walk through the different steps of treating reclaimed water so that it can be reused throughout the City. In addition, the tour will educate students on how to distinguish between potable and reclaimed water.